Judges Controversy

India is a nation where the rule of law prevails, and the judiciary, as the third pillar of democracy, is often regarded as the most trusted institution. However, recent controversies surrounding the Chief Justice of India (CJI), particularly allegations of nepotism and abuse of power, raise critical questions about the accountability of the judiciary and the integrity of the judicial system in the country.

Allegations Against the Chief Justice

The controversy gained traction when four senior judges of the Supreme Court—Justice J. Chelameshwar, Justice Rajan Gogoi, Justice Madan Lokur, and Justice Kurian Joseph—publicly criticized the CJI, Justice Deepak Misra. They alleged that he selectively assigned important cases to junior judges and mismanaged the allocation of cases, including the sensitive matter of Justice B.H. Loya's death, who was presiding over the high-profile Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. These concerns were articulated in a confidential letter that was later made public, leading to an unprecedented press conference by the judges.

Key Issues Raised

During the press conference on January 12, 2018, the four judges expressed their discontent with Justice Misra's administrative decisions. They asserted that certain orders issued by the CJI negatively impacted the functioning of the justice delivery system, breaking long-standing traditions of judicial administration. The letter emphasized that the Chief Justice is merely the "first among equals" and criticized Justice Misra for allegedly operating based on personal preferences.

The letter called for immediate rectification of these issues and highlighted concerns regarding the independence and effectiveness of the judicial system. The allegations brought to light the critical need for transparency and accountability within the judiciary.

Profile of Justice Deepak Misra

Justice Deepak Misra, who became the 45th Chief Justice of India on August 28, 2017, has a robust legal background, being the nephew of former Chief Justice Ranganath Misra. He joined the Supreme Court on October 10, 2011, and has made significant contributions to various landmark judgments. His tenure has been marked by pivotal rulings, including those on the death penalty in the Yakub Memon case and the enactment of online FIRs in the Own Motion v. State case.

Conclusion

The ongoing controversy surrounding the judiciary in India underscores the necessity for a transparent and accountable judicial system. As the guardians of justice, judges must uphold the integrity of their positions and the trust bestowed upon them by the public. The allegations against the Chief Justice serve as a reminder that the judiciary must continuously strive to maintain its credibility and independence in the face of scrutiny.